I've searched all night and installed and uninstalled nearly 1/2 dozen apps and can't find what I'm looking for.
I'm trying to find a simple task manager like switcherbar.exe on WM2003 or WM2005 for my Sprint HTC Touch Pro2. I don't want icons, fancy displays etc or a bunch of other unrelated features that consume memory or processor. I just want a simple clean tool that does the job as well as it did on my Dell Axim 50v WM2005. It should reside is a small icon in the task bar and display the running applications when I tap on it. I tap the app to change to it, or tap end app to close it.
Yes I know it's boring, but it's efficient, stable, and takes virtually no memory.
I've tried Magic Button, and pBar (the closest so far) but can't find anything that actually as simple and intuitive as the old switcher bar. I've even tried copying the file from my dell to no avail.
Thanks in advance.
wktask ... also try ae button plus and set a hard key to alt-tab
On my blueangel i have the windows media player button set to launch the default task manager. Not pretty by any means, but it works well and is fairly fast after it is loaded into memory
switcherbar.exe replacement.
wktask has an button for each running program and also changes the behavior of the X button. If I have more than a few programs running it obliterates the icons on my task bar blocking the icons there (signal strength, bluetooth etc). If I reduce the size of the buttons enough then their not finger friendly at all.
I'm trying to find a simple replacement that's a simple icon where I tap it to see the list of running programs with the option to close the active program or all programs like switcherbar.exe did. I don't want program launchers and I really don't want to remap my buttons. I like them the way they are. Actually my phone only allows me to remap my talk button anyhow.
If I could get switcherbar.exe to work on my Touch Pro2 I would be absolutely thrilled!
Maybe I named the topic of this thread wrong. I should have called it "Looking for a switcherbar.exe replacement".
I guess I'm looking for something too simple in a world where everyone like bells and whistles.
I use Wisbar Advance, it shows icons of running programs right on the taskbar, so I use my Touch HD like it's a desktop PC . And I also use Alt-tab from SPB Pocket Plus mapped to HW button not exactly what you described (and not freeware), but it's the best multitasking experience I've ever had
AE Button has a nice task switcher; assign a button to it, and you're good to go. It doesn't alter the function of the 'x' button or the task bar. You need to pony up 7 bucks, though.
I bought SPB pocket plus a while back (then later switched to something else). I copied out the standalone alt-tab.exe program that installs with the package. I just made a shortcut to this executable and then assigned a button. Worked fine even after uninstalling pocket plus. It doesn't reside in memory, it only functions when called upon.
I always liked the task manger in Homescreen Plus Plus.
I wish there was a way to put a small icon up on the task bar at the top of the screen linking to the HTC task manager. Very finger friendly, but not very accessible. You have to leave your program and go launch it. Kinda defeats the point of a task manager.
In the mean time I think I've finally found a program that I can use. It's called HandySwitcher. The icons are a bit small and it's not the most finger friendly app out there, but it's always available, takes little memory, doesn't require button remapping to function and it just works. Maybe some day a more finger friendly program like that will be made. A link on the top bar to the HTC task manager or something similar for those that don't have a HTC would be perfect.
Thanks for the input.
AppSwipe Task Switcher
Came across this in the market. Its is free and has the ability to add favorites for faster accessing.
h$$p://dl.dropbox.com/u/17878354/snap20110119_163134.png
sorry can't post links yet.
Related
As above. I've had a quick search and a bit of a google but I can't see anything. The ideal thing would be a plugin that displays a simple list of tasks on the desktop, with or without close buttons.
Thanks
http://www.elecont.com/
"Elecont Pocket PC and Smartphone Manager"
says
"Windows-like taskbar on Home and Today screen"
http://www.google.dk/search?source=...askmanager+pocketpc&btnG=Google-søgning&meta=
this was the search that gave the result if you want to find more
u can try QuickMenu it replaces the old start menu and shows processes that are running (you can close them also).
Thanks for the replies!
I downloaded and tried the Elecont program but I didn't like it visually! The others found in google were the ones I'd previously passed over - I couldn't see any good Today plugins.
Had a look at quickmenu too but it duplicates a lot of the features I've already got with SPB Pocket Plus. I'm after a simple, at-a-glance plug in rather than a menu.
Cheers anyway.
I would suggest you check out ValkSoft's True Toolbar.
http://www.valksoft.com/TrueToolbar.html
It gives you a toolbar at the bottom of your screen much like windows on a pc. You can hold on any of the icons for a context menu which includes a close option. It is an application I use on my WM5 device every day.
wkTask
It's not a Today plugin but it makes a proper taskbar that can switch tasks and close them, even force terminate. It also has a launcher, volume/brightness control, and battery meter. Very customizable. And best of all it's free.
Thanks guys, DevState 1.5 (WM5 version) does the job.
I'd seen it before but didn't realise it was so configurable - I've set it so that it shows large icons for each task along with a memory summary. Clicking on the memory summary now launches Advanced Task Manager.
One of the things I find annoying in browsing for apps through the Programs entry in the start menu is that if you browse sub folder in it (like Games) you can't go back without closing the Programs menu...
Is there any freeware and lite app or hack that can add a Back and Front options to the WM bottom bar only when browsing Programs?
Thanks in advance
Bump...
Come on it's been a week... Doesn't anyone know of an answer?
Sorry if this seems shameless but if I get it right this thread has only one week left and then will be deleted...
If nobody posts an answer, then it's probably because nobody has one.
I don't have an answer for your question, but a piece of advice instead: ditch the default start menu - it's crap Use QuickMenu, TouchLaunch or MortButtons (this one takes some time to configure properly but it's probably the most powerful), or more than one of them. They all have their pros and cons, but all are better than the default start menu that hasn't changed at all since windows CE 3.0 (probably since 1.0, but 2 is the oldest one i used ). QuickMenu is great because it behaves like the start menu on a "big" windows - it's cascading plus it has some neat options lik ebuilt in task manager, screen rotation and SIP selection. Also, it can replace the default menu entirely. But it's not very finger friendly and it's best used with a D-Pad, a stylus or with a finger where you're not in motion. But it's rather hard to use with a finger on a bike or on a bus.
TouchLaunch is still a beta, but works really smoothly, and is very finger friendly. Also, it can view all shortcuts you have in the start menu ignoring folder structure, so as long as you know program's name, it will be really easy to find.
All of them are free and availible here at xda-devs, just do a search. So my advice is to try them all and choose the one you like the best, but forget about the default menu.
Thanks for the reply
I realized that people might not now the answer but they might as well have missed the thread since it was burried by a whole week of q&a's...
I've actually tried QuickMenu and TouchLanch in the past but I removed both. The first is a lot less finger-friendly than Omnia's big screen implementation for the start menu and seemed kind of unstable (at least the version I tried. I switched to wktask as a task manager/lister/launcher (I keep only the most usefull shortcuts).
The second is kind of heavy, didn't fit to my whole screen (and I couldn't config it to... at least that version) and the Launcher that comes with Omnia has a feature very similar to it (which is also heavy... that's why I still use the default Program folder sometimes)...
I generally use the default Start menu Programs browser for apps I use less often.
Will try MortButton though I don't know if this is what I'm looking for (or if I can even use it)... I always thought there would be a small .exe or scipt to address this WM flaw.
I don't understand what do you mean?
When I go to 'Programs', then 'Games' via the start menu, if I press OK it takes me back to Programs.
Maybe you have a task manager set up that closes windows when you press OK.
Strange... Is there an "OK" in your system? Mine is WM 6.1 (oficial rom). I don't have any buttons in the bottom bar while browsing Games and on the top bar there's an "X" in the right.
It doesn't seem to be the task manage. I'm pretty sure I remember this behavior as the default and I just double checked after exiting wktask and even after a soft-reset (with it's autorun feature disabled)... Even without a task manager that folder is closed without returning to Programs...
For anyone who would love to increase our joy in using Android by allowing us to multi-task more seemlessly and dynamically, as well as help Android keep up with next-gen multi-tasking platforms such as webOS, here are some ideas:
Here is a method of graphically presenting a task switching application. Imagine presenting thumbnail screenshots of all open application, lined up in a row, being zoomed out to take up about half the normal space on the screen, to be scrolled through with a flick of a finger. Think switching between windows in Steel (after tapping the window button which displays all of your open web pages in a row).
Now, the method for bringing up these apps to be scrolled through gives room to a bit of creativity as well. One could give the option to simply press the camera button (a la Task Switcher). Another option, should one not want to monopolize the camera button, would be to long-press the trackball. still, a more creative method would be this; the user gives the handset a quick shake, and BOOM, the current app zooms out and the other apps appear in line to the left and the right. Of course, games and apps that use the accelorometer would be given priority, requiring the user to pause the game or go to the menu screen before shaking the device to bring up the app switcher (something that makes sense anyway. You wouldn't want to leave a game in progress).
Hope someone somewhere likes this idea, finds it feasable and can invest their time and programing skills (of which I have none personally) into enhancing our Android experience this way.
Thanks!
I dont know what this has to do with multi-tasking as its only a visual aspect of it... but have you ever tried holding your home button? Voila a task switcher
like there isnt 1/2 a dozen ways to do this?
download task switcher, it uses the camera button to bring up a nice visual task switcher.
of course i should point out that android by default comes with a task switcher, just hold down the home button. also you can set up quick lauch shortcuts for apps. i dont see how it can get any better then that.....
I wouldn't mind if they were to put the apps that are running on the notification bar.
rogro82 said:
I dont know what this has to do with multi-tasking as its only a visual aspect of it... but have you ever tried holding your home button? Voila a task switcher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that a list of the last 6 recently used programs instead of currently running programs?
jaroque i think it depends. that IS the list of the last 6 used programs, however the way android works is it closes programs only when it needs memory so a lot of times some (or all) of the programs in that list are still indeed running because they dont require too much memory.
Im doing some research into the way you all use your devices.
Its just one simple question to help me back up a point when putting forward a design proposal:
"When switching between programs using the HTC Task Manager,
would you rather be able to switch between programs from anywhere,
or are you fine with having to go to the today screen to use it?"
This question has an obvious answer, but I want evidence from the people who actually use it.
Thank you to anyone who helps.
Edit: Im only putting this up for a week, then I am sending the results.
(To mods, would it be possible to sticky this just for a week? Please? Until the 10th)
I remember my Dell Axim had an "anywhere" task switcher as well - you could just click the icon in the taskbar and it would drop down a list of running apps that you could then switch to. I loved it.
What i am currently using is Ftouchsl and mapped an upswipe (bottom, up) to TaskFacade. It allows me to bring up the Task Manager whenever I want and it feels natural because a down swipe (up, down) closes all my programs.
I think we need a more graphical task manager....can't wait for the port from omnia 2
Anywhere is obviously better. I don't cook it in anymore, and instead use Magic Button, which allows you to switch tasks as long as you can see the task bar. I also use dotfred's.
bump
putting this back up the list, i need the research.
Please vote
bump
Bump - Last day tomorrow.
Bump.
Last day today. Will remove tonight.
That's why I like devices with keyboards! They always have the ubiquitous Windows flag buton to bring up start menu from anywhere. Besides, you can alway program a button to task switch using one of the available applications. Without button, I can see the difficulty, maybe task switch via specific gesture (screen swipe?)?
Thanks to everyone who voted.
Please close this thread now, as I have the results I need.
Hey,
Looking for the good visual/graphical task switcher on the Note.
In IOS as used to have "Mutiflow" that was very good, but i cannot find any decent one on Android.
An advice ?
stylobic said:
Hey,
Looking for the good visual/graphical task switcher on the Note.
In IOS as used to have "Mutiflow" that was very good, but i cannot find any decent one on Android.
An advice ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Swipepad.
Really awesome. Its free but for the addons u have to pay.
This one worked perfect in sgsII and my dell streak.
However in note u have to take a little more effort to initialize the app. i.e u have to swipe real carefully. U will understand it once u install it.
Another one is taskchanger pro.... Lots of good reviews ,
Easy to initialise the app but however did not work well for me in note. I had some glitches like app , restarts and looses settings and so on.
Try swipepad first .
visual task switcher doesnt seem to work on the note since it doesnt support 2.3.
but smart task switcher works well enough. not as pretty as visual task switcher but it does the job.
Swipepad looks interesting and I will check it out.
For some time now (both on my previous phone and now on the Note) I've been using Perfect Task Switcher and am pretty much happy with it.
I checked swipepad, it's nice, but it's mainly a laucher...the task switcher is an paid option, unfortunately.
edit: Task Switcher wouldbe Perfect if we could assign the double press to home button to lauch the switcher
Well, i tryed a few apps for task switching, and i don't find nothing comparable to my IPhone. So, i can stick to a non graphical app.
in addition, I cannot find one lauched with double press home button.
any help ? because i already regret Ios, despite the small screen
stylobic said:
Well, i tryed a few apps for task switching, and i don't find nothing comparable to my IPhone. So, i can stick to a non graphical app.
in addition, I cannot find one lauched with double press home button.
any help ? because i already regret Ios, despite the small screen
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont think you'll be able to find one. i may be wrong, but iirc, double press home button is reserved by android. you cant really override it with software options. on my old atrix, i would just map the task switcher to the search button, but the note doesnt have the search button.
First of all - long home press = inbuilt task switcher. It's probably obvious but it took me a week and the manual to find that out, so chances are some people still don't know it.
For my own purposes I use Wave Launcher with recents on - this way I always have the access to all my most important apps + drawer + few last ones and this is spot on for me and works ALWAYS - no matter what app is in the foreground I naver had a problem of not being able to access Wave Launcher. I have been using PowerStrip for a long time for the same purposes but Wave is more natural.
The big advantage is the ability to access widgets this way - great if you need to for example change the screen brightness with SwitchPro while playing a full screen 3D game that hides the taskbar (so you can't use taskbar power controls). It works fine, apps don't crash.
I don't remember coming across any app similar to Multiflow but I must admit I was never looking for one because for me it beats the purpose - multitasking is all about efficiency, I need one gesture to access what I want. Double home + swipe + tap is too much work
Give it some time, it takes a while to find a perfect combination of apps to get that smooth user experience. I bet it took you a bit with iOS too.
pjm77 said:
First of all - long home press = inbuilt task switcher. It's probably obvious but it took me a week and the manual to find that out, so chances are some people still don't know it.
For my own purposes I use Wave Launcher with recents on - this way I always have the access to all my most important apps + drawer + few last ones and this is spot on for me and works ALWAYS - no matter what app is in the foreground I naver had a problem of not being able to access Wave Launcher. I have been using PowerStrip for a long time for the same purposes but Wave is more natural.
The big advantage is the ability to access widgets this way - great if you need to for example change the screen brightness with SwitchPro while playing a full screen 3D game that hides the taskbar (so you can't use taskbar power controls). It works fine, apps don't crash.
I don't remember coming across any app similar to Multiflow but I must admit I was never looking for one because for me it beats the purpose - multitasking is all about efficiency, I need one gesture to access what I want. Double home + swipe + tap is too much work
Give it some time, it takes a while to find a perfect combination of apps to get that smooth user experience. I bet it took you a bit with iOS too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
long press home shows you your recent task list. it doesnt tell you which ones are still running. you'd have to go into the task manager for that.
and task switchers like smart task switcher show you what apps, background apps and processes are running as well and give you a quicker way to close them.
while it might not seem useful to some people, i found it quite useful on my motorola atrix since it would allow me to free up more ram before multitasking. i find that my galaxy note with touchwiz doesnt manage the ram as efficiently, so if i dont free up some ram, it will close some of my active apps to free up ram for the game or browser or app in the foreground.
Ur right. But I was under the impression that the author of this thread was looking for an easy way to multitask rather than to know what is running or not or easy way of closing it. I might be wrong, it's not 100% clear.
yeah I could be more clear because you may not know Multiflow on IOS.
It takes over original multitasking (which is not real multitasking by the way) and lets you leave running in background some apps that you can recall easily by selecting the thumbnail in an additional graphic viewer.
I don't really need a similar design, but i need to open and leave some apps running, and switch between them.
Assigning to long/double press home button would be great !
swipepad could be ok because of the swipe action to open it, but the switching function is a paid option that i cannot try before, so i will not buy.
stylobic said:
...
I don't really need a similar design, but i need to open and leave some apps running, and switch between them.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's pretty much that Perfect Task Switcher enables you to do. Except that it's not bound to long home press, but just a single press.
So, here's how it works:
- when you install it you can configure in its settings (via the small gear icon that appears when it opens up) which is your preferred launcher;
- when you double-press the home button you jump to your home screen.
- when you single-press the home button the task switcher displays (in an overlay of whatever you are in at the moment) a graphical list of you currently running apps - you can switch between applications in this way.
hi 111bits
I tryed it already, but I don't get the same results as you.
I cannot make appear home screen by double click. nothing happens.
Then fo r the same effect, i have to click once, and touch home icon to do this.
why this double click dosn't work ???
And by the way, i have no preview in the multitask windows...